Transfer FAQs

What are my chances of being admitted?

We evaluate your admissibility primarily by your academic record. The College GPA of successful transfers is typically 3.7 or higher. Good high school grades with solid SAT or ACT test results and high grades in college are usually positive indicators of one’s chances of being admitted.

How many transfer students does Notre Dame take?

Each year, we receive over 800 fall semester transfer applications for roughly 150 transfer openings. In the spring, we receive close to 100 transfer applications for 5-10 spots.

The fall semester transfer application deadline is March 15. Students are notified between June 1 and July 1.

The spring semester transfer application deadline is October 1. Students are notified between December 15 and January 5.

Does the size of the First Year Class impact the number of transfer openings?

Notre Dame has separate enrollment goals for both First Year and transfer students. In years when we enroll a larger-than-expected number of First Year students, we still plan to enroll a standard and consecutive number of transfer students.

Since on-campus housing is guaranteed to First Year students and not transfer students, a large freshmen class typically impacts the availability of on-campus housing for transfers.

Why are math and science requirements so important for an Arts and Letters major?

Notre Dame requires that all students complete First Year of Studies courses before entering a specific College (e.g. Arts and Letters). Transfer students are simply held to the same requirements as students who enter Notre Dame in the First Year.

What do you mean by “course syllabi”?

In order for us to determine whether your courses meet transfer requirements, we need course syllabi for each college course you’ve taken since high school graduation. Formatting and submitting course syllabi by the application deadline enhances our ability to review your coursework in a timely manner. Please:

Email the attached PDFs to ndforms@nd.edu with the Subject Line "Course Syllabi _ YOUR FULL NAME"

I applied to transfer to Notre Dame before, and was not admitted. Can I apply again?

The Admissions Office retains First Year and Transfer applications for two years.

If you’ve applied for First Year admission within the past two years, your freshman application materials will be included in your transfer file. You don’t need to resend official standardized test scores unless you’ve retaken the exams. Please pay special attention to items five and seven on the application instructions list. AP scores often aren’t included on high school transcripts.

If you’ve applied for Transfer admission within the past two years, your previous application materials will be included in your new file. You don’t need to duplicate any of the documents already sent. You’re required to submit a completed application form, the $75 application fee, an updated Transfer College Report, an original Personal Statement, and course syllabi and grades for any courses taken since you last applied.

I was a student at Notre Dame, but left before completing my degree to attend another college. Am I a transfer student?

No. You should apply for readmission using the “Readmission Application.” Click here to learn more about the readmission process.

What if my current institution is on the quarter system?

If your home institution operates on the quarter system, it may be necessary to take additional courses to meet Notre Dame’s requirements. For example, you might need to take three calculus classes to cover the same material that Notre Dame covers in two classes. Generally, 5-credit classes in the quarter system transfer as 4-credit courses in Notre Dame’s semester system, and 4-credit classes in the quarter system transfer as 3-credit courses in Notre Dame’s semester system.

Is there an Orientation?

Yes, each year the Transfer Welcome Committee, comprised of current ND students who themselves transferred to the University, coordinates the many facets of making your transition to Notre Dame easier. There are academic, social, and spiritual components to the Transfer Welcome Weekend Program, which runs concurrently with First Year Welcome Weekend.

Does Notre Dame admit second-semester freshmen?

No. Students applying for sophomore transfer admission must have completed a full year of college and have at least 27 transferable credits by the time they enroll as sophomores. Students who have enough AP credits to earn sophomore status after one semester must still complete a full year of college before applying for transfer admission. If a student was admitted to Notre Dame as a First Year student, but did not enroll in the fall, please contact our office directly.

Are transfer students considered for Notre Dame Merit Scholarship programs?

No. All students who complete the financial aid process are considered for all need-based University scholarships. However, a limited number of merit scholarships are only available to first-time incoming freshmen.